Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian dish that can stand on its own as a main course or complement your favorite protein, Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter is the answer. Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until golden brown and tender, then drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce that elevates this humble vegetable into something elegant and delicious.

This recipe is simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to showcase cauliflower in a new light—transforming it from a side dish into the star of the plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or even as a creative plant-based main course.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it proves that vegetables can be as satisfying as meat-based dishes when prepared the right way. The cauliflower develops a nutty, caramelized flavor from roasting, and the garlic butter adds richness and depth. It’s healthy yet indulgent, light yet filling, and most importantly—it’s absolutely delicious.

I also love how versatile this dish is. You can enjoy it as a vegetarian entrée with a fresh salad, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or pasta, or pair it with grilled meats for a complete feast. It’s a recipe that feels both fancy and comforting, which is why it’s one of my favorites.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor-packed & healthy – Roasting enhances cauliflower’s natural sweetness.
• Impressive yet simple – Looks restaurant-worthy, but takes minimal effort.
• Diet-friendly – Gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan by swapping butter for olive oil.
• Versatile – Perfect as a main dish, side, or even as a creative appetizer.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4 (as a side) | 2 (as a main dish)
• Calories: ~180 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Modern American / Mediterranean-inspired
• Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Vegetarian Dish

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Slice cauliflower into thick “steaks.”
2. Brush with olive oil, season, and roast until golden and tender.
3. Make garlic butter by melting butter with garlic and spices.
4. Drizzle garlic butter over roasted cauliflower.
5. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan, then serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower
   • Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact.
   • Slice the cauliflower into 1½-inch thick steaks (you’ll get 2–3 steaks per head).
3. Season the Steaks
   • Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet.
   • Brush both sides generously with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Roast the Cauliflower
   • Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fork-tender.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not burnt).
   • Stir in chili flakes (optional).
6. Assemble and Serve
   • Drizzle the garlic butter over roasted cauliflower steaks.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan, and lemon juice.

How to Serve This Recipe

• As a main dish with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
• As a side dish with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish.
• As a vegetarian entrée, pair with couscous, risotto, or pasta.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Keep cauliflower slices thick so they hold together while roasting.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—this helps cauliflower caramelize.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra freshness.

Variations

• Vegan: Swap butter for extra virgin olive oil or vegan butter.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle mozzarella or feta before roasting.
• Herby: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter.
• Spicy: Increase chili flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cauliflower loses texture when frozen.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to keep crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
• Pastry brush (for oiling cauliflower)

Conclusion

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter is proof that a simple vegetable can be elevated into a restaurant-worthy dish. With its nutty roasted flavor, buttery garlic richness, and vibrant herbs, this recipe is satisfying enough to be a main course yet versatile enough to serve as a side.

It’s easy, elegant, healthy, and utterly delicious—making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors and creative vegetarian meals.

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Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 180 per serving

Description

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian dish that can stand on its own as a main course or complement your favorite protein, Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter is the answer.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower : Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact. Slice the cauliflower into 1½-inch thick steaks (you’ll get 2–3 steaks per head).
3. Season the Steaks : Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Roast the Cauliflower : Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fork-tender.
5. Make the Garlic Butter : In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not burnt). Stir in chili flakes (optional).
6. Assemble and Serve : Drizzle the garlic butter over roasted cauliflower steaks. Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan, and lemon juice.

Keywords: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic Butter